Cool characters, you'd probably like Vinnie Veritas's work. He's done some very cool animations and has a style that's kinda similar to what you're using.http://kite-ride.deviantart.com/

Also you're using painter2??? Aw man at least get some of the new trial versions. You can google Corel and get Painter, what is it 10 now?, for free for like 3 months. And you can always reload it again when it runs out or when they come out with a new one. You won't be able to get all the best benefits but you'll at least have a much better program than painter 2.